Obituary of Bennie Chandler Walker Rienstra

Fort Worth - Bennie Chandler Walker Rienstra passed away peacefully December 24, 2022.

She was born September 25, 1940 in Port Neches, Texas to James Chandler Walker and Era Mae Block Walker. During her early childhood years, Bennie learned ballet, tap, and jazz dancing. She also studied piano for many years and later learned to play the clarinet and saxophone. On the weekends, the family spent time on the family farm and she loved being surrounded by her pony, her beloved cocker spaniel dogs, and her cats. She developed a lifelong love of animals.

After graduating from Lamar University with a teaching degree, Bennie taught school in Austin. During this time, she met the love her life, Roger Rienstra, on a blind date. They married in 1962 and moved to Fort Worth. Bennie taught school in Fort Worth for several years and started her family.

When she retired from teaching, Bennie began working as a retail associate for Neiman Marcus, a job she enjoyed for more than 20 years. She met many of her treasured friends during this time.

Bennie was a very skilled bridge player and enjoyed playing in numerous bridge clubs and tournaments throughout her life. She was a member of Kappa Delta sorority, Junior Woman's Club, Woman's Club, and River Crest Country Club.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother T.C. Reynolds, and husband, Roger Rienstra.

She is survived by her daughters, Robin Young and her husband Todd, and Erin Hentschel and her husband Scott; grandchildren, Hailey Byrd, Natalie Burton (Josh), Nick Young, Jack Young, Emily Hentschel, and Lindsey Hentschel; great-grandsons Finn and Crew Duncan, and Brooks Burton. She is also survived by her nephew, Ricky Reynolds (Becky) of Houston.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Bennie on Sunday, March 5, 2023 at 2 pm at River Crest Country Club, 1501 Western Avenue.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be given to Saving Hope Animal Rescue or the Humanse Society of North Texas.